In the arid West we are all connected by rivers; they are the lifeblood of our land, our economy, our way of life. Western rivers—including the Colorado, the Verde, the Gila and the San Pedro, provide water for tens of millions of people, including twenty-two Native American tribes and the cities of Denver, Phoenix, Albuquerque and Tucson.

We aren’t alone in our reliance on western rivers. Ninety percent of Central Flyway birds depend on these waterways for their survival.

Unfortunately our rivers are in jeopardy. Drought, invasive species, over-allocation and unsustainable management are running our rivers dry. Many of the birds that depend on them, like the Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Bell’s Vireo, are in decline, and the future of the communities and economies surrounding our rivers is uncertain.

Audubon is taking a major step to address the threats to our western rivers. This spring we’re launching the Western Rivers Action Network, a multistategrassroots coalition to advocate for our riversand the bird species that depend on them.

To lead the development of the Arizona network, we’ve engaged Sarah Luna, a seasoned conservation professional who brings a wealth of skills to Audubon. Sarah will be reaching out to Audubon members across the state to get your input on how to make the WesternRivers Action Network a success and to find out how the network can support your chapter’s riparian conservation work.

Interested in being a part of the Western Rivers Action Network? There are many opportunities for volunteer advocates! Contact us to find out more. Email riosalado@audubon.org or Sarah Porter at sporter@audubon.org.

The first CBC was held in 1900 and is the largest, longest-running animal census on earth. This citizen science program collects data each year that is vital for land management decisions and wildlife policy. There is no fee to participate and the annual published report, American Birds, will be available online, instead of print, and also online in Spanish. Over 60,000 volunteers help with this effort each year in North America, the Caribbean and Latin America.

The White Mountain area is known for its wintering waterfowl and Bald Eagles. Some birds seen on last year’s count are: Canvasback, Redhead Duck, Hooded Merganser, Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, American Kestral, Ruby- crowned Kinglet, Townsend’s Solitare, Swainson’s Thrush and Belted Kingfisher. Usually more than 60 species are counted in the ten-mile radius circle on this day.

It is a fun event and all levels of birding skill are welcome and encouraged to participate.